Hovering over rocks: a complex air evacuation was carried out in the mountains near Bariloche
An emergency operation has been launched on the heights of Cerro Lopez in the Argentine region of San Carlos de Bariloche. A man in his 60s suffered a serious fall in the Palotinos sector, which is characterized by difficult terrain.
Members of the Commission for Assistance (CAX) quickly found the victim in the mountains and spent the night with him. During the dark hours, specialists provided first aid and monitored the condition of the injured man while waiting for dawn.
As morning approached, it became clear that the steepness of the slopes and the terrain completely precluded a safe ground descent. At about eight in the morning, an IBEX helicopter was called to the scene. Unable to land on the rock, rescuers descended from the suspended car on cables, stabilized the victim, and successfully lifted him up for evacuation.
Context
The Palotinos Trail (Picada de Palotinos) on Cerro López is considered one of the most technical and risky hiking trails in the Nahuel Huapi Lake area. It starts from the Bay of López and leads along rocky ridges to the López Mountain Refuge, crossing steep ledges over precipices and scree slopes, often requiring hand climbing.
This climb is a one-way trip: due to the significant exposure and steep rock ledges, it is extremely dangerous to return the same way after completing the first sections. Official mountain guides warn that the route is intended exclusively for trained travelers, and the difficult terrain significantly complicates any ground rescue operations in case of injury.